Dear Brothers and Sisters in Francis,
As the summer months with their many activities and duties are drawing to a close, it is good to remember that those who operate through their own wills may tend to leave little space for God in their life’s journey. But if one genuinely desires union with God, then one must be prepared to have one’s “religious” world and path shattered. Jesus tells us: “I love you just the way you are. And I love you too much to let you stay the way you are.”
As followers of Francis, we are also children of God desiring to grow in holiness, to build up His kingdom and to give Him glory. Cardinal Newman said it so beautifully: “God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me, which He has not committed to another. I have my mission … I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for nothing … therefore I will trust him. Wherever I am, I can never be thrown away. God does nothing in vain; He knows what He is about.” In a similar vein, St. Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus: “May you live a life worthy of the calling you have received, with perfect humility, meekness and patience, bearing with one another lovingly. Make every effort to preserve the unity which has the Spirit as its origin and peace as its binding force. There is but one body and one Spirit, just as there is but one hope given all of you by your call. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, and works through all, and is in all.”
Using various verses from Scripture, St. Francis gave us this beautiful Exhortation to the Praise of God:
“Fear the Lord and give him honor. The Lord is worthy to receive praise and honor. All who fear the Lord, praise Him.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.
Heaven and earth praise Him. All you rivers, praise Him. All you children of God, bless the Lord.
This is the day that the Lord has made, let us exalt and rejoice in it. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! King of Israel!
Let every spirit, praise the Lord. Praise the Lord for he is good; all you who read this, bless the Lord.
All you creatures, bless the Lord. All you birds of heaven, praise the Lord. All you children, praise the Lord. Young men and virgins, praise the Lord.
The Lamb who was slain is worthy to receive praise, glory and honor.
Blessed be the Trinity and undivided Unity.
St. Michael, defend us in battle.”
Fraternally, Friar Louis Geelan, O.F.M.